This Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta is a cozy fall dish that combines tender shrimp and a delicious creamy sauce with a hint of spice. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!
The sauce is rich and buttery, making every bite irresistible. I love serving it with a sprinkle of green onions for a pop of color. It’s easy and perfect for a weeknight dinner! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: I recommend fettuccine or linguine for this dish, as their flat shape holds onto the creamy sauce well. If you need a gluten-free option, try brown rice pasta or zucchini noodles!
Shrimp: Large shrimp provide the best texture. If you’re allergic or don’t like shrimp, you can substitute with chicken or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise & Sour Cream: These create the creamy base of the sauce. For a lighter version, swap the mayo with low-fat yogurt or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas), which adds creaminess without the calories!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings sweetness and a little heat. If you can’t find it, you can make your own using sugar, rice vinegar, and a touch of hot sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a wonderful flavor. If you’re in a hurry, use garlic powder instead—about 1/2 teaspoon should suffice.
How Do You Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky! You want them tender and juicy, not rubbery. Here are some quick tips:
- Start with a hot skillet to sear the shrimp quickly.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they’re pink and opaque.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan—it steams the shrimp instead of browning them.
- Remove from heat as soon as they turn pink to avoid overcooking!
By following these tips, your shrimp will turn out perfectly every time!
Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta Recipe for Fall
Ingredients:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (for warm fall flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Juice of half a lemon
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy Bang Bang shrimp pasta recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, totaling around 30 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy fall evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or linguine, cooking it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later!
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Stir everything until smooth. Taste it and adjust the sweet chili sauce or sriracha if you prefer more sweetness or spice. Set the sauce aside for now.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp, seasoning them with a little salt and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they are pink and opaque. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a plate and set them aside.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!
5. Combine Sauce and Shrimp:
Lower the heat and pour the creamy Bang Bang sauce into the skillet, gently stirring to warm it through. Then, add the cooked pasta and shrimp back into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, use the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it up.
6. Finish with Cheese:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and creates a creamy, cheesy sauce. Take a moment to enjoy the delicious aroma!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and garnish your pasta with chopped green onions and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the dish warm—it’s the perfect cozy fall meal!
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful dish that’s sure to warm your heart during the cooler months!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thoroughly thaw the shrimp before cooking. You can quickly thaw them in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before cooking for the best results!
Can I Make This Pasta Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the shrimp with firm tofu or sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini. Make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly for your chosen ingredients!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of sriracha sauce or omit it altogether. You can also add more sweet chili sauce for sweetness without the heat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce has thickened.